What Are Students Thinking When They Pick Their Answer?Michael J. Sanger and Amy J. Phelps330 students were asked to answer a multiple-choice question concerning gas properties at the microscopic level and explain their reasoning. Of those who selected the correct answer, 80% provided explanations consistent with the scientifically accepted answer, while 90% of the students who picked an incorrect choice provided explanations with at least one misconception.Sanger, Michael J.; Phelps, Amy J. J. Chem. Educ.2007, 84, 870.

Gases |

Kinetic-Molecular Theory |

Phases / Phase Transitions / Diagrams |

Qualitative Analysis

On the Buoyancy of a Helium-Filled BalloonJohn E. HarrimanIt is shown by expansion of the exponential in the barometric formula that the forces due to pressure acting on a balloon are of the form (PV/RT)Mg and that results agree with those suggested by Archimedes principle. Einstein's equivalence principal provides an answer to what balloons will do in an accelerated car. Harriman, John E. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 246.

Atmospheric Chemistry |

Gases |

Kinetic-Molecular Theory |

Physical Properties

Why Does a Helium-Filled Balloon "Rise"?Richard W. RametteThe article is a lighthearted, conversational exploration of the microscopic basis for Archimedes principle. The principle is discussed in terms of molecular collisions and density gradients in a gravitational field. Ramette, Richard W. J. Chem. Educ.2003, 80, 1149.

Atmospheric Chemistry |

Gases |

Kinetic-Molecular Theory |

Physical Properties

Are Fizzing Drinks Boiling? A Chemical Insight from Chemical Education ResearchAlan GoodwinThe suggestion that fizzing drinks are examples of liquids boiling at room temperature has proved to be controversial among both chemists and chemical educators. This paper presents a case for believing this everyday system to be a good example of a boiling solution and the consequent separation of carbon dioxide from the solution to exemplify fractional distillation. Goodwin, Alan. J. Chem. Educ.2001, 78, 385.

Measurement scales: Changing Celsius to Kelvin is not just a unit conversion Nordstrom, Brian H.The key to understanding the difference between Celsius and Kelvin lies in the different types of measurement scales. Students may have an easier time manipulating equations (such as gas laws) if they knew the difference between these scales.Nordstrom, Brian H. J. Chem. Educ.1993, 70, 827.

Fast molecular motionKnox, KerroA demonstration that shows that molecules do indeed move very fast and over long distances in a short time when nothing is in the way.Knox, Kerro J. Chem. Educ.1992, 69, 574.

Does a one-molecule gas obey Boyle's law?Rhodes, GailBecause the kinetic molecular theory provides a plausible explanation for the lawful behavior of gases, it should be treated in enough depth to show students that the theory accounts for all of the important aspects of ideal gas behavior.Rhodes, Gail J. Chem. Educ.1992, 69, 16.

A gas kinetic explanation of simple thermodynamic processesWaite, Boyd A.Proposes a simplified, semi-quantitative description of heat, work, and internal energy from the viewpoint of gas kinetic theory; both heat and work should not be considered as forms of energy but rather as different mechanisms by which internal energy is transferred from system to surroundings.Waite, Boyd A. J. Chem. Educ.1985, 62, 224.

Kinetic energies of gas moleculesAherne, John C.The graph representing the distribution of kinetic energy among the molecules of a gas found in many textbooks is incorrect.Aherne, John C. J. Chem. Educ.1965, 42, 655.

Kinetic-Molecular Theory |

Gases

Determination of Avogadro's number by Perrin's lawSlabaugh, W. H.The experimental procedure for determining Avogadro's number by the Perrin method includes preparing a monodisperse colloid, ascertaining the mass of the particles, and making an accurate count of the number of particles at two points in the equilibrated colloid.Slabaugh, W. H. J. Chem. Educ.1965, 42, 471.

Kinetic molecular theory from a jukeboxEasley, W. K.; Powers, Glenn F.Uses dancers to various styles of music as an analogy for differences between the atomic and molecular motions in solids, liquids, and gases.Easley, W. K.; Powers, Glenn F. J. Chem. Educ.1960, 37, 302.

Kinetic-Molecular Theory |

Solids |

Liquids |

Gases

The kinetic structure of gasesSlabaugh, W. H.Describes a model that illustrates the kinetic properties of gases and ii use to demonstrate the effect of temperature changes on the motion of gas particles.Slabaugh, W. H. J. Chem. Educ.1953, 30, 68.